Destination Newark surveyed business owners ranging from startups to established enterprises across a variety of industries to gain business advice for existing and budding entrepreneurs. These business owners all have one thing in common–they are like-minded in seeking a socially conscious urban renaissance. Some are CUEED certified, indicating that they have also completed training at The Center for Urban Entrepreneurship & Economic Development (CUEED) at Rutgers Business School.
Here’s what they had to say:
Holly Kaplansky opened her Minuteman Press printing and marketing franchise 15 years ago in downtown Newark at a time when businesses were still fleeing Newark. With a team of three, Kaplansky has outlived the competition by participating in several business programs offered by CUEED and the New Jersey Association of Women Business Owners, where she serves as president. She is also on the advisory board of the Rutgers Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and contributes financially to several non-profit charitable organizations in Newark
and North Essex.
According to an article by the SBDC, Minuteman Press was generating revenues near $1 million in 2017.
Secret to Success: “Get involved. Be persistent. Just keep going. There’s always a Plan B. And I don’t worry about the competition. I focus on being the best business I can be.”
Business Advice: “Focus! Especially if you are new in business. I see so many entrepreneurs that are all over the place. They never say no and get involved in everything; every day it’s something else. Make one thing work, then you can move on to other [endeavors] if you want.”
